It doesn't take much to get Sally Cook to fly away, literally, and seek new adventures. Just ask the folks at Buena Vida Estates where she lives. Sally is a true symbol of what a 21st Century 93-year-old woman can be. Yes, that's Sally in the ultra-lite plane soaring high above the clouds (see front cover). It all happened by pure accident. She recently attended the International Hang Glider and Ultra-Lite Plane competition held in Melbourne and was asked whether she would like to go for a ride. Anyone who knows Sally knew what the answer would be a resounding YES! So there she is with her young female pilot who built the ultra-lite plane, flying high above the crowds and looking at the landscape far below. "I was not a bit afraid, only exhilarated. Whenever I fly in an airplane I always want the window seat so I can see the landscape below. Here I saw it so clearly," Sally said.
A true Bostonian, Sally married, raised 2 sons and worked as a secretary until she retired in 1977. She and her husband, an analytical chemist and M.I.T. mechanical engineer, had a wonderful life for many years. After Sally became a widow, she moved to Martinsville, Virginia in 2000. There she lived in a 2 story townhouse, doing her housework, driving her car and continuing with her active life. But shortly after moving to Virginia, her son began worrying about her and convinced her to move to Melbourne to be near him and her four grandchildren in Palm Bay.
"That's when I began a new chapter in my life," said Sally.
"When I started to look for a home in Melbourne, I searched until I found what I believe is the perfect place. It was the friendliest and had the three different stages of living, all located in one community. Even though today my health is very good, I wanted to be assured that if I needed assisted living or a health center, they would be in the same location. I knew if I waited until I was mentally or physically incapable of caring for myself, I wouldn't be able to make those kinds of decisions," explained Sally. She continued, "My life at Buena Vida Estates provides the friends and activities and convenience that keep me feeling young and vital. I'm impressed how everyone cares and knows each other. My activities include swimming at Easter Seals twice each week doing water exercise which I truly love. My agenda is so full there are so many things to do in Melbourne to keep my friends and me happy."
Sally Cook is just one of the residents at Buena Vida Estates who sing such high praises for the community. It seems to be their theme song friendly, caring and convenient. If you would like more information or a tour, please call Shirley at 1-800-742-0060 or visit them online at www.buenavidaestates.org.